Welcome to another episode of Regulated Roots, the series that dives deep into the cannabis industry’s movers and shakers. Host Kimberly Simms brings us face-to-face with Pamela Epstein, the Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer of Terpene Belt Farms, for a riveting discussion about hemp, regulations, and the future of the cannabinoid industry.
An Industry Expert’s Journey
Kimberly Simms expresses palpable excitement as she introduces her guest, Pamela Epstein, a renowned figure in cannabis law and regulation. With a shared history of collaboration dating back to 2016, Pamela’s career trajectory is an inspiring blend of advocacy, expertise, and adaptability. Reflecting on their initial meeting, Kimberly recalls a connection forged over a mutual dedication to structured, well-researched discussions about California’s dual licensing process.
Pamela’s early work involved her consultancy, GreenWise Consulting, and a pivotal role with Eden Enterprises. She leveraged this experience to influence cannabis regulations and foster the emergence of hemp as a legitimate agricultural crop. Her focus evolved towards terpenes, leading to the creation of Terpene Belt Farms, dedicated to the cultivation of terpenes for cannabis products.
Hemp’s Role and Industry Parity
Pamela sheds light on the struggle for parity between hemp and marijuana. Hemp, she explains, is an agricultural crop, but many regulatory frameworks still overlook this reality. Terpene Belt Farms has carved out a niche, using hemp for terpene cultivation, which enhances the flavor and aroma of cannabis products, particularly in vaporized forms.
This conversation emphasizes the complexities of cannabis regulations and the impact of treating hemp and marijuana differently. Pamela believes that achieving a unified, comprehensive approach to cannabinoids is essential. Her advocacy work, including her past leadership as President of the California Cannabis Industry Association, has pushed for a balanced regulatory landscape.
Unity for Industry Growth
Pamela’s insights point to a broader vision: uniting the cannabis and hemp sectors. She argues that responsible players on both sides want to see positive growth and scale, without compromising consumer safety. She calls for a collective approach, where the industry collaborates to address challenges and advocate for better policies.
Hemp has already paved the way, demonstrating that cannabinoids can coexist without widespread negative effects. Pamela highlights the critical role hemp has played in normalizing cannabinoid products and argues for building on this momentum to deschedule cannabis, creating more opportunities for growth and innovation.
Challenges and Future Outlook
As Kimberly and Pamela discuss the future, they acknowledge the hurdles that remain. Hemp operators still face significant obstacles, especially when navigating regulations across multiple states. Despite these challenges, Pamela’s passion for the plant and her unwavering commitment to the industry’s success shine through. Her message is clear: unity and comprehensive regulation are key to a thriving cannabinoid market.
Pamela Epstein’s work continues to inspire those in the cannabis space, advocating for a better-regulated, more cohesive industry where both hemp and marijuana can thrive side by side.
This article captures the essence of the discussion, celebrating Pamela’s contributions and highlighting the broader regulatory issues faced by the cannabis industry. Watch the full episode here and here the full discussion.
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